What role do audits play in identifying safety process gaps?

Audits are essential tools in process safety management because they systematically evaluate the effectiveness of safety processes and practices. The primary role of audits is to identify areas that require improvement. Through detailed assessments, audits can highlight deficiencies, uncover potential hazards, and evaluate compliance with regulatory standards as well as internal policies.

By identifying safety process gaps, audits help organizations take proactive measures to enhance their safety operations, thereby reducing risks and improving overall safety performance. This process includes documenting findings and recommending corrective actions, which ultimately contribute to a safer working environment.

The other choices do not accurately reflect the core purpose of audits in relation to identifying safety process gaps. While audits can support improvements that may reduce incidents or inform employee training, their fundamental function is to evaluate and identify where enhancements are necessary.